Cascais
For me, Cascais was love at first sight. This charming seaside town on the Portuguese Riviera has it all: gorgeous scenery, gracious people, incredible food, and that effortless European elegance that makes every corner feel like a postcard. The dramatic Atlantic coastline, golden beaches, black-and-white tiled streets, vibrant bougainvillea, and historic palaces create a setting that feels both sophisticated and soulful. You can watch the waves crash at Boca do Inferno, wander through the new modern marina at sunset, or enjoy a long, relaxed meal by the sea. And while it feels like a dreamy escape, it’s also incredibly easy to get to: Cascais is about a 30-minute drive from the Lisbon airport, which offers direct flights to and from several major U.S. cities, including LAX, JFK, Miami, Chicago, and San Francisco. Portuguese is the native language, but many locals speak English and are wonderfully welcoming to visitors from around the world.
Getting Here
Getting to Cascais from the nearest airport—Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), located about 35 km (22 miles) east—is very straightforward. You have three main ways to make the journey, depending on your budget and luggage:
Option 1: Ride-Hailing Apps or Private Transfer (Fastest & Easiest)
Taking an Uber or Bolt is highly recommended if you have heavy bags or are traveling with a group.
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How it works: Once you land, follow the airport signs for "Pré-Reservas Online" (Online Pre-bookings), which lead to the designated rideshare pickup area inside the short-stay car park.
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Cost & Time: Typically costs between €25 and €40 (fares surge during rush hours and peak summer months). The drive takes about 35 to 45 minutes via the A5 highway.
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Note: Standard airport taxis waiting right outside arrivals are metered but significantly more expensive, often costing €70–€80+ to go outside city limits to Cascais.
Option 2: Public Transport (Most Budget-Friendly)
If you aren't in a rush, you can easily combine the Lisbon Metro and the coastal train for a highly scenic route that costs under €5 per person. The total travel time is about 90 minutes.
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The Metro (Airport to Train Station): Right outside Terminal 1, board the Metro's Red Line (Linha Vermelha). Take it to the Alameda station, then switch to the Green Line (Linha Verde) heading south to its final stop, Cais do Sodré. (Metro time: ~30 minutes. Cost: €1.90 + €0.50 for the reusable Navegante ticket card).
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The Coastal Train (Cais do Sodré to Cascais): Walk straight out of the metro gates into the Cais do Sodré railway terminal. Board the urban train bound for Cascais. Trains run every 12 to 20 minutes and the journey takes about 40 minutes, hugging the beautiful coastline the entire way. Cascais is the final stop. (Train cost: €2.55).